Kian (tea master) facts for kids

Kian (喜安, 20 January 1566 – 10 August 1653) was a Japanese tea master and priest. He was very active in the Ryukyu Kingdom, which is now part of Japan. In old Ryukyuan records, his full name was Bin-shi Kian Nyūdō Bangen (閔氏 喜安入道 蕃元) or Bin-shi Kian Ueekata Bangen (閔氏 喜安 親方 蕃元). Kian is most famous for his diary, the Kian Nikki (喜安日記). This diary tells the story of the 1609 Invasion of Ryukyu.

Kian's Early Life and Education

Kian was born in Sakai in Izumi Province, Japan. This was on January 20, 1566. From a young age, he began to study the Japanese tea ceremony. His teacher was Kōin (康印), who was a student of the famous tea master Sen no Rikyū.

Besides tea, Kian also learned about poetry. He studied both Waka, which is a type of Japanese poetry, and Classical Chinese poetry. These skills would become important later in his life.

Life in the Ryukyu Kingdom

When Kian was 35 years old, he moved to the Ryukyu Kingdom. He quickly became well-known and respected there. After several years, he was given an important job. He became the Chamberlain of the palace. This meant he helped manage the royal household.

He was also given a special Chinese-style family name, Bin (閔). This showed his high status and the trust placed in him by the Ryukyuan court.

A Time of War

In the spring of 1609, the Satsuma Domain from Japan launched an attack on Ryukyu. They captured Nakijin Castle, which was a very important fortress. Kian, along with a Buddhist monk named Kikuin, went to the castle. They hoped to talk to the Satsuma troops and ask for peace.

However, Kian and Kikuin were arrested by the Satsuma soldiers. After the war ended, Kian was taken to Kagoshima in Japan. He traveled with King Shō Nei and many other important Ryukyuan officials.

The Important Diary

After King Shō Nei returned to Ryukyu, Kian was given a new role. He was appointed as the "imperial tea master" (御茶道). This was a very respected position.

During the reign of King Shō Hō, Kian wrote his famous diary. It was a type of historical war story called a Gunki monogatari. He named it the Kian Nikki (喜安日記, "Kian Diary"). This diary is a very important record. It tells us a lot about the Satsuma invasion and what happened during that time.